Morning’s pale radiance shone through the bedroom window. Addison rolled over and checked the time. Almost eight. An early riser, Luke was already gone.
Gone.
For a split-second, the thought of him leaving crossed her mind. And though she wanted to believe what they shared together was strong enough to withstand the events of the last week, she couldn’t blame him if it had become too much.
Addison wound a robe around her body and walked downstairs. Looking around, it seemed she was alone.
“Luke, are you here?”
Silence.
She walked to Marjorie’s room and knocked. “Marjorie, it’s Addison. Can we talk?”
No answer.
Luke’s truck pulled to a stop outside. He walked into the house clutching a paper sack in one hand. “Morning. Your grandmother’s not in there.”
“Where is she?”
He shrugged. “No idea. I knocked about an hour ago to see if she needed anything from the store. When she didn’t answer, I cracked the door just a bit, called her name again. The bed was made, but she was gone.”
Addison twisted the knob on the door, entered the room. “Her suitcase is still on the side of the bed. Wonder where she went.”
“I think it’s safe to assume wherever she is, she’ll be back.”
Addison raised a brow. “You say that like it’s a good thing.”
He smiled. “Depends on the day, I guess.”
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you again about what happened the other night. I know how upset you were, and I just wanted to say again, I’m sorry. I should have trusted you.”
He set the sack down on the kitchen counter. An apple slipped out, rolling across the counter until Luke snatched it up in his hand. “I know you’re sorry about it all. I can see it in your face every time you look at me.”
“Things haven’t been the same since the other night. You’ve been great, a lot nicer than I deserve, but there’s still a distance between us. I can feel it. When I woke up this morning, it crossed my mind that this life, who I am … it might all be too much for you. Truth is, I’d understand if it was.”
Luke cupped Addison’s face in his hands. “Don’t you know by now how much I love you? I’ll always love you, always be here for you, no matter what happens.”
Addison wrapped her arms around him. The front door burst open, and Marjorie strolled in. She looked at Luke and Addison and grinned. “Well, aren’t you two a sight? If the lovefest is over, I’d like some breakfast, please.”